Hidden Truths

Chapter 12: Little Parker

Chapter 12: Little Parker

It's finally time for the game to start. After Zoey picked me up, I was able to go home and change into my tank top, some jeans and vans. After brushing out my hair, I decided to put it in two french braids. I also decided to wear Jackson's jacket. It's really big on me, but it's actually really comfortable. It smells like his cologne and instead of mint, there's a comforting, homey smell as well. When Zoey and I arrive, we walk over to the stands to find Mom, Michael, and Theo. They're sitting closer to the front, but not too close. I can feel all the eyes of the people in the stands on me but I try my hardest to ignore it.

The whole school is here, including parents of the football players, cheerleaders, dancers, and even regular students. The stands are filled with blue and gold, the school colors. Zoey is one of the few that isn't wearing the colors and that says a lot at this school because she's getting a lot of looks. The field is huge. None of the players are on the field yet because they're probably in the locker room. I scan the field for Madison and I see her talking to Coach Gines. When she's done she looks up in the stands. I pretend to turn around and look for someone just so she can see who's jacket I'm wearing. I turn back around and her jaw is on the ground. I give a little wave and she stomps off. I turn to Zoey.

"So is it weird rooting for a team other than Hillview?" I ask Zoey.

"Yeah, it kinda is. I should be asking you the same thing though." I nod in agreement. This will be my first game not cheering for the Hillview Bulls. I'll have to get used to it though because I guess I'm here to stay.

The whistle blows and the cheerleaders come running out first. They do a little cheer to get the crowd going with the mascot. The football players come running out with the sound of the music coming from the band. I start cheering when I see Gray and Nate. So does Zoey, but she stands and cheers louder when she sees Nate. They don't have their helmets on yet so it's easy to tell who's who out there. When the team lines up, Nate gives us a smile and winks at Zoey. She smiles and waves back. To my surprise, Jackson turns too and salutes. He's looking right in my eyes so I can tell he's smiling at me. This was the first time I've seen him give a genuine smile and he looks really good. I feel my cheeks flush a little but I don't smile back, I just give him a thumbs up. Zoey looks at me and hits my knee.

Towards the end of the game, we're tied with the Cubs. The whole crowd is quiet watching in anticipation. Jackson calls the play and then tosses the ball to Grayson who catches it with ease. He runs and dodges all the way to the touchdown. The entire crowd goes wild. The Hawks win 19 to 12. It was a tied game until Grayson pulled out that last touchdown. The dancers at halftime were amazing. It was so cool to see Carmen in action. I didn't really get to see much during practice. Once the game is over, Zoey and I go meet the guys on the field. Only to notice Theo has joined them. Nate and Theo were in the middle of a conversation, but when Nate sees Zoey, he hugs her and they kiss for an agonizing fifteen seconds.

"Gross, get a room," I say looking away from them. Nate rolls his eyes as he swings his arm around Zoey.

"We killed those Cubs," Grayson says giving Jackson a fist bump. When I notice Jackson, I take off his jacket and hand it back to him. The comfort from the smell goes away. 

"Uh...thanks."

"Nah, you can hold on to it. It'll keep you warm. I'll get it from you another time," I nod and then lay it on my arm. I don't know why, but I'm kind of glad I get to keep it a bit longer. I don't want his smell to leave just yet.

"So are we going to Madison's place or not?" Theo asks. I immediately say I'm not going.  I wouldn't wanna be there probably just as much as Madison wouldn't want me there.